How Denver Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide
Denver maintains 158 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Denver falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Park Curfew
Denver closes all city parks and recreational facilities from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily; mountain parks close from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, with violations subject to citation.
Key details: City park hours: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Mountain park hours: 1 hour after sunset to 1 before sunrise. Parkway median curfew: Also 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Enforcing agency: Denver Parks & Recreation. Legal basis: DRMC § 39-3, Curfews and closures.
Violating the park curfew is a criminal offense under Denver's general penalty (DRMC § 1-13); rangers and police can cite or arrest anyone found in a park after hours.
Juvenile Curfew
Denver bars minors under 18 from public places 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on school nights and 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends, with listed exceptions.
Key details: Weeknight curfew: 11:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. (Sun–Thu). Weekend curfew: 12:01 a.m.–5:00 a.m. (Sat, Sun). Covers ages: Under 18. Parent liability: Parent/guardian also liable if minor violates.
Curfew violations are enforced by Denver Police citation; § 34-62.5 requires the city attorney's office to report citation counts, sentences, and demographic data to city council twice a year.
Compared to other cities, Denver takes a harder line on juvenile curfew. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Denver's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Denver is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Denver's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.